Shido Boris Esperanca pulls off lightning fast submission to move on to Welterweight Semifinals

Shido Boris Esperanca is a grappling specialist who has won regional titles in both the welterweight and super lightweight divisions. Esperanca, the second-ever fighter signed to PFL Africa, has won three straight and has finishes in seven of his nine victories. Esperanca made his PFL debut in a showcase bout during the PFL Playoffs last year, scoring a first-round finish of Tyler Hill.

After playing soccer and American football in his youth, Ibrahima Mane started MMA training at 25, making his professional debut in 2016 and coming into tonight with a 14-5 record. Mane, a striking specialist, is a former regional middleweight champion who has eight finishes to his name. Mane has won six of his last seven, defeating Chequina Noso Pedro in PFL Europe last year before a loss to Daniele Miceli.

Who will secure the final Welterweight Semifinals spot in tonight’s co-main event?

Round 1

Front kick by Mane. Right hand by Esperanca as the two explode out the gate. A takedown, and Esperanca ends up on top! Esperanca right into mount! He lands a few right hands before Mane tries to get back to his feet. Esperanca quickly backs him back down and into a choke! There’s a tap! Wow!!! What a speedy fight and a speedy ending!

Just like that, Shido Boris Esperanca ends this fast and marches forward to the Semifinals in style!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Shido Boris Esperanca defeats Ibrahima Mane by 1st round submission (Rear-Naked Choke, 0:34) in the PFL Africa Welterweight (170) Tournament. Esperanca will face Octave Ayinda in the Semifinals.